Last night, bull rider Ky Hamilton had all rodeo fans on the edge of their seats as he won round seven at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas.
So far this year at the NFR, Hamilton has won three rounds. Starting off the 10 days right, he won the first round with an 86.5 point ride, riding Cervi Championship Rodeos Vitalix Theodore. In round two, he came in third, with a 78 point ride, with Jared Parsonage taking the win. In round three, viewers watched Hamilton get second with a 87.5 point ride. Once again in round four, riding Bridwell Pro Rodeos Fred, he dominated with an 89 point ride!
Cowboy Channel Commentator, Don Gay commented on Ky’s ride saying, “If you want to ride bulls, you just take that video and watch [Ky Hamilton] over and over and over. You don’t do it better than that.”
If you want to ride bulls, you just take that video and watch [Ky Hamilton] over and over and over. You don’t do it better than that. — Don Gay
Due to all of Hamilton’s success in these rounds, he moved into the number one spot in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Standings, having earned over $400,000 this year.
In round five, when fans expected another victory, the unexpected happened. Ky Hamilton rode Bales Hays MAGA. The ride started off okay until about four seconds in; the bull leaned slightly forward, Hamilton losing his grip. The bull swung his head upward, hitting Ky, making him rotate multiple times, above the bull, while in the air. As soon as Ky hit the dirt, he was unconscious.
Rodeo officials and the sports medicine team rushed to his side. He was rushed to University Medical Trauma Center in Las Vegas for evaluation and observation. He suffered from a concussion. Hamilton was advised not to ride in round 6, on Wednesday morning, and fans questioned whether he would ride in any other rounds. This could majorly affect Ky’s chances for remaining high in the standings.
Despite his medical advice, Hamilton made the eight second whistle yesterday morning, riding in round 6; completing the round with 85.5 points, coming in third. Due to round 1 being pushed back to December eighth, round six and round seven were both on the same day—so Ky would be riding double, with his injuries.
Last night, Ky Hamilton bucked back winning round seven with an 88 point ride on Duane Kesler’s Alberta Prime Devil’s Advocate! As soon as Ky was off the bull, he ran to his traveling partner and good friend, Stetson Wright. Viewers could see the joy expressed between both riders as Stetson hugged Ky, lifting him up to cheer him on. Hamilton walked back out into the arena, smiling from ear to ear. He was hugged and congratulated by the bull fighters. Hamilton finished the night, riding a victory lap around the arena with thousands of fans cheering him on!
Watch round eight of the NFR on RFD TV/The Cowboy Channel at 8:45 pm EST!
